Waterfox (64-Bit)

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Editors' Review

Waterfox is a 64-bit version of Firefox. The browser's developers modified the Firefox source code specifically for machines running 64-bit versions of Windows. Software designed for 64-bit Windows editions can take advantage of faster RAM and processing speeds and greater stability in 64-bit systems. Just converting Mozilla's source code for 64-bit Windows doesn't do enough to make Waterfox stand apart from Firefox and other Firefox-based Web browsers; other unique tweaks help it exploit the speed of 64-bit systems. As the Waterfox Web site states, speed is its mission.

When we first opened Waterfox, it displayed our bookmarks and other personal data from Firefox. When it comes to looks and extras, Waterfox doesn't disappoint in a side-by-side comparison with the latest Firefox release. Waterfox has a family resemblance to other Mozilla-based browsers, with a dark blue Start button instead of Firefox's orange. Otherwise, Waterfox looks and functions like Firefox, including its various customizable features and options. Our add-ons, extensions, and plug-ins worked in Waterfox, too, including Microsoft's Office and Silverlight plug-ins. Waterfox also has regular updates.

We could tell with just a few quick trips to familiar sites that Waterfox is fast, so we visited some of our favorite browser speed test sites to see how it stacks up against the competition, including Firefox and our current default, Chrome. For the most revealing results, we threw Peacekeeper's HTML5 torture test at each, pitting Waterfox against the site's Chrome benchmark and our own copy of Chrome.

This online benchmarking tool separates the smartphones from the gaming desktops with a series of increasingly grueling tests that took some 5 minutes to run through. Waterfox bested Firefox but not Chrome, both in speed and HTML5-rendering capability, though the results were close enough to make it a matter of choice. Raw speed tests with CNET's Bandwidth Meter produced much closer results. Chrome held a consistent edge, but Waterfox is fast, too. Subjectively, it "feels" fast, which might be the advantages of 64-bit operation. In any case, we like Waterfox a lot. If you prefer Firefox but run 64-bit Windows, give Waterfox a try.

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Publisher's Description

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From Waterfox:
Waterfox (64-Bit) version of Firefox. The Firefox source code is taken and compiled to run specifically for 64-Bit Windows computers. To make Waterfox stand out a bit more, it's compiled with optimizations so that it will run more efficiently and faster than just compiling Firefox as a 64-Bit program. Waterfox was the first community Firefox builds to release a 64-Bit version of Firefox 4 when it first came out.

Fast as lightening, my system is not slow at all. I have a good pc, brand new, almost empty, lots of memory and ram, and on 32 bit firefox the browser was slow, i have skype running all the time, 2 games, and normally at least 5 or 6 browser windows, ventrilo and music playing. Firefox cannot handle that well, but I installed waterfox and instantly it was superfast again. Even IE was slowing up but waterfox handles all my activity and keeps my browser superfast. i am well impressed!

Exactly like Firefox but 64 bit. Operation is very smooth. Opens pages quickly. Installation copies Firefox preferences and extensions so this looks and feels exactly like the version of Firefox you are currently running.

Cons

Not sure that it runs better than Firefox. It seems to but that might be a placebo effect--I expect a 64 bit version of Firefox to run faster and smoother so it seems like it does.

Summary

When I installed this I thought there was a mistake and that I was still running Firefox--that's how seamless the transition is from Firefox to Waterfox. I have been using this for about a week and have not noticed any problems at all--everything opens fast, there have been no page crashes or compatibility issues. My go-to browser had been Opera but there were some performance issues on certain web sites. I have had no similar issues with Waterfox. I stopped using Firefox a while back because it seemed bloated and sluggish compared with Chrome and Opera. I'm not noticing anything like that with Waterfox.

One more note: Waterfox does not come with any spyware or bloatware. The web sites where people are downloading the program are adding the extra crap. If you aren't downloading directly from the Waterfox web cite then just make sure to choose advanced installation and choose not to install each bot of crap-ware when the permission windows comes up. I'm not sure why some people still don't understand what is going on but if you choose standard install you are giving permission for all the crap-ware to be installed on your computer. This stuff comes from the download site and is not the fault of the program you are trying to download.

After using Waterfox for a few weeks my opinion of the browser isn't as high as it was when I wrote the above review. It is so similar to Firefox that my computer thinks I'm using Firefox when I have Waterfox open. Add-ons that I added in Waterfox also show up on my copy of Firefox. But after using Waterfox exclusively I started to notice buggy behavior--buttons on some web sites would not work. Some web pages would load slowly or incompletely. After trying Firefox again I think it is faster and works more smoothly than Waterfox, even on a 64 bit system.

It does move quickly between web pages, but not any faster than Chrome.

Cons

Didn't want to open at first, and scrolling is a nightmare. In fact, the scrolling is so bad that it's worse than Firefox and I'm uninstalling Waterfox now. Sticking with Chrome, and keeping Firefox as backup.

Summary

Not an improvement on Firefox, and still not as smooth as Chrome. They may have fixed some bugs, but there are more to take care of.

Excellent replacement when 32bit browsers can't connect.Imports all Firefox favorites, add-ons & search-plugins and they all work just as well as firefox..I have about 20 add-ons including WOT, Adblock Plus, Disconnect, DownThemAll, NoScript & priceblink...none or disabled and no problems seen

Cons

The only plugins available appear to be Java, Adobe flash and silverlight...this is fine by me, but others might want something more.

Summary

A yet to be identified problem prevents me from connecting to the net with any 32bit browser and 32bit IE immediately shuts down...this despite lots of expert troubleshooting. While doing something else, I ran across 64bit IE which opened and browsed with no problem. IE is better than nothing, but for me way inferior to firefox. I'd tried Waterfox awhile ago but the lack of plugins and compatibility issues combined with no need caused me to not use it. But when I discovered 64bit IE worked, I download v28 and it worked great.

Updated on May 3, 2014

No malware: After installation I scanned the Pc with Super Antispyware & Malwarebytes...there was no malware or spyware. Those that say there was downloaded Waterfox with an installer that carries a payload of adware...Cnet's installer does this, so go to Waterfox site or use the direct download link.

Very, very fast!EZ to install & Import all Firefox settingsStableFlash works perfectly

Cons

Can't get Roboform to work

Summary

If you want a Firefox, without the crashing, bugs, and Flash player problems, Wha La! Waterfox is Very fast, and is all the best parts of Firefox, with the bugs worked out. Why Firefox exists with this browser out there...well, maybe it won't be.The only, "Malware," that exists, is from website installers. You have to be Very careful now to pick, "Custom Install," than, carefully read every window that pops up. Most of those windows want to install crapware onto you're computer. It's not a Waterfox problem, it's from sites downloaders. Great, great browser I would recommend to anyone. The only problem for me, is RoboForm toolbar doesn't work with it yet. It's not quite a deal breaker, but, I did download Pale Moon, another Great Mozilla browser, that isn't Firefox. Roboform works fine with it.

Updated on Feb 25, 2014

Yep, it's a downloader problem, NOT a Waterfox problem. Pay attention when downloading programs from C-net, or any other site! They will download crap on your computer, you don't ever want on it!

None - took me hours to get rid of all the spyware/adware that came with this browser.

Cons

Just got rid of Firefox that had inbedded viruses that were resistent to all malware removers. Thought Waterfox would be a good replacement and it immediately infected my system with a virus/adware called PASSSHOW which infected all my video & flash players.. still not sure i've erradicated it completely. Download.com said it was safe to download and spyware free!!!! never trust anything from them again nor will I ever download anything relating to Firefox. By the way I did a custom install as I always do and the PASSSHOW virus was still hiding in the download.

I must in fact agree with others saying do not download through cnet! I have had so many problems in the past downloading from them. Whenever possible use the manufactures website or majorgeeks.com or filehippo.com But only use those sights if the manufacture does not provide the actual download. I only check here myself to see what I may want to try. If security is a big issue then I suggest installing comodo internet security from comodo.comI would also recommend using their browser(s) for added security. I know of that PASSSHOW. it is adware from various media sites.If a download site asks to install their software before you can receive a program forget it. They all contain tracking programs and so forth. File hippo does have a program you can elect to download that will help keep certain programs updated but they do not package it with the software.

While i agree that this browser sucks now and has some stuff like the infamous start page search crap! waterfox isn't malicious. Why the hell would you download from here and the ole cnet installer enabled? Don't ever download anything cnet installer enabled. You can download from waterfoxproject.org

Likewise, no malware with my installation. As the other poster stated, you may have had viruses on your PC already and they infected Waterfox as well OR you downloaded it from some other source which bundled the malware with the browsers. Getting it from Waterfox's main site is the safest bet.

It sounds like you had a virus on your system to begin with and need to format and reinstall and/or get proper AV protection. There wasn't any malware in my download, but I downloaded it straight from the Waterfox website. No need to uncheck anything during the install either.

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